The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is making its Operation Blue Roof program available to 29 Florida counties where residents may have damaged roofs because of Hurricane Irma.
- Operation Blue Roof from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Free blue tarp for damaged roofs
- Residents in 29 Florida counties are eligible
The program sends licensed contractors to put fiber reinforced plastic sheeting (aka a blue tarp) on damaged roofs until homeowners can get the roofs repaired.
The service is free to homeowners of primary residences or permanently occupied rental properties, not for vacation homes or vacation rentals.
The roof also has to have less than 50 percent of its framing damaged, so the roof will support the plastic sheeting. Also, the resident of the damaged home has to certify that they will stay in the home.
The Army Corps of Engineers also says the roof has to use standard shingles or similar material. They will only consider repairs to metal roofs or mobile homes on a case-by-case basis. Also, they cannot cover roofs made with slate, asbestos or clay tile.
People in the following counties can currently apply for Operation Blue Roof:
- Brevard
- Broward
- Charlotte
- Citrus
- Collier
- DeSoto
- Glades
- Hardee
- Hendry
- Highlands
- Hillsborough
- Indian River
- Lake
- Lee
- Manatee
- Miami-Dade
- Monroe
- Okeechobee
- Orange
- Osceola
- Martin
- Palm Beach
- Pinellas
- Polk
- Sarasota
- Seminole
- Sumter
- St. Lucie
- Volusia
However, not every county has centers yet where people can go to start the process.
To get help, head to the Army Corps. of Engineers website, where you can find Frequently Asked Questions and a current list of Blue Roof centers. Or you can call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258).